Diet is Key - How To Eat Clean So You Can Get Lean

Question About Diet and Nutrition
This question is directed to Fawnia Mondey who is a ShapeFit fitness
model and writer. I find you very inspirational. You look amazing
and all your hard work sure has paid off. I don't have as much of
a problem exercising as I do eating "clean". The more
I think about nutrition, the more I crave ice cream, and I will
go out and get some. I'm sure you know the feeling of disgust after
pigging out, but I guess that is what happens when we deprive ourselves
of certain foods. The end result is that we want them even more.

When
I look at pictures of women like you, I have a hard time believing
I myself could ever look that good. I feel like unless I eat things
like lettuce and chicken 6 times a day, I will not be able to get
there. I'm going to keep working hard and really try to not let
it take over my entire life but I need some guidance.

I know that technically, I am within my normal weight group and
I am very healthy. When I tell people about how I try to eat better,
they just say things like, "Why? You're skinny enough as it
is", or they say, "Oh, shut up and have some ice cream".
It's hard to hear things like that because most people have a hard
time agreeing with you that you shouldn't eat ice cream when you
only weigh 120 pounds. However, I think that someone like you would
know what I mean.

So, my main question is this. What is more important, diet or exercise?
Can I still reach my goal in 3-6 months just by continuing what
I am doing now workout wise (with the occasional bowl of brownie
batter ice cream)? Thanks again for taking the time to respond,
it's nice to know that I am not alone and that someone has been
in my shoes before!

Fawnia's Answer
First off, thanks so much for reaching out to me! To reach your
fitness goals, diet accounts for about 80% of your results. Yes,
you can have a delicious treat once in a while but know that it
will set your goal date back that much further. Try to watch your
portion sizes since there will always be another treat time, plus
the smaller portion sizes will help to keep your metabolism revved
up so that your body burns calories more efficiently.

It sounds like your friends are having a hard enough time watching
what they put into their mouths, let alone yours. When they comment,
simply let them know that you are fine and don't want any treats.
They don't need to know that you are working towards a fitness goal,
as this will get them going even more with comments that may sway
you off your path.

Plan ahead and have other treats when you are out, such as a tasty
Detour protein bar! These are the tastiest bars out there and are
healthier than what your buddies may be asking you to eat. Be creative,
plan ahead and most importantly, be mentally strong. Nobody should
ever stand between you and your goals.

Fill your day with other activities rather than watching TV and
sitting around. The busier you are, the less your mind will be thinking
about food, and the more calories you will burn. Going for a walk
to the local park or taking 30 minutes to read your favorite book
while walking on the treadmill may be a welcome change of pace also.
Make time for you, and know there is more to life than hovering
over the kitchen counter.

It's important to understand that there will be a day when all
of the hard work and dedication will pay off. When you see the body
of your dreams looking back at you in the mirror, it will all be
worth it! Yes, you may be 120 pounds and that's wonderful but I
know that you would like to firm everything up and look much more
toned and fit than you are now. Sculpting your dream body takes
time and once you have reached it, there comes the maintenance phase
but by that point, working out and eating clean will be a normal
and comfortable part of your life. I wish you the best of luck reaching
your ultimate fitness and physique goals and I'm sure you will achieve
all of your dreams!